Director of Philanthropy (full-time)

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Philanthropy (DoP) serves as a member of Concord Community Music School’s leadership team and is responsible for advancing the organization’s fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and contributed revenue growth. The DoP provides leadership for all philanthropic initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, foundation and government support, donor stewardship, and future fundraising opportunities.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Committee, and community stakeholders, the DoP helps build and sustain a comprehensive culture of philanthropy that supports CCMS’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.

CCMS operates primarily in person, with occasional opportunities for hybrid work. The Director of Philanthropy is expected to attend select performances, donor events, and organizational activities throughout the year, including some evenings and weekends.

Founded in 1984, Concord Community Music School (CCMS) is one of New Hampshire’s largest community music schools. Our mission is to cultivate lifelong musical growth and meaningful connections for all. We are guided by the values of inclusivity, collaboration, purpose, creativity, empathy, sustainability, community connection, and a growth mindset.

Located in downtown Concord, New Hampshire, CCMS is a vibrant arts center featuring teaching studios, ensemble and percussion rooms, a recording studio, outdoor performance space, and two signature indoor venues. More than 1,400 students participate in lessons and programs each week, both onsite and throughout the community, ranging in age from six months to over 90 years old.

CCMS offers instruction in a wide variety of instruments, voice, expressive therapies, and digital audio production. More than 40% of students receive financial assistance, with approximately $125,000 awarded annually in tuition aid. In 2026, CCMS adopted a new strategic plan that will guide the organization’s work through five key priorities and position the Music School for continued growth and impact.

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Serve as the organization’s fundraising strategist, helping to shape and execute a comprehensive philanthropy program aligned with institutional goals.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board Development Committee to establish annual fundraising objectives, revenue targets, and donor engagement strategies.
• Lead fundraising efforts across major gifts, annual giving, foundation and government support, sponsorships, and emerging philanthropic opportunities.
• Build and manage a robust donor portfolio and pipeline, guiding donors and prospects through every stage of the fundraising cycle — identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Monitor fundraising performance and recommend strategies to strengthen contributed revenue and donor retention.
• Anticipate and respond to the needs and interests of donors, funders, Board members, and community partners.
• Translate organizational priorities into actionable fundraising strategies while effectively managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Board and Community Engagement

• Partner closely with Board leadership to strengthen philanthropic engagement and advance fundraising goals.
• Attend and support Board and Development Committee meetings, providing regular fundraising updates and strategic guidance.
• Coach and support Board members in donor cultivation, relationship-building, and philanthropic best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, institutional funders, community leaders, and strategic partners.
• Represent CCMS as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for its mission, programs, and community impact.

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute as an active member of the leadership team, supporting organizational planning and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization, encouraging shared responsibility for fundraising and donor stewardship.
• Set ambitious goals, navigate challenges, and consistently deliver measurable outcomes.
• Build trust, inspire shared purpose, and foster productive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Stay informed about charitable giving trends, fundraising best practices, tax-advantaged giving strategies, and developments within the nonprofit sector.
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably in a nonprofit, educational, or arts and culture organization.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and/or CFRE preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing fundraising strategies that generate revenue across multiple donor categories, including individual, foundation, corporate, and government support.
• Proven experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors and prospects.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working with boards, volunteers, and community stakeholders required.
• Familiarity with music, arts education, or the cultural sector is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and donor database/CRM systems.

CCMS offers a competitive salary ranging from $75,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience, along with a benefits package that includes health and welfare benefits.

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of accomplishments, please email Daniel Acsadi, Executive Director, at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin on August 1, 2026.